Quarter Horse Racing Licenses Expand Gambling Options in Florida

Quarter horse racing has not been relevant in Florida for decades. Now, developers are banking on the sport making a comeback in the sunshine state.

Two different development groups have applied for licenses to build race tracks for quarter horses. One of them has already received their license. The other is awaiting a decision.

Hamilton County has issued a license to Jacksonville developer Glenn Richards. He currently owns Hamilton Jai Alai. He plans on building Hamilton Downs, a quarter horse racing facility.

Currently there are no quarter horse race tracks in the state of Florida. It has been nearly twenty years since this brand of horse racing was relevant. Three horse tracks exist in the state, but they are for thoroughbreds. Pompano Park in Broward County also has a race track, they have harness racing.

Jefferson County is the location of the second proposed track. Former Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino executives Paul Micucci and David Romanik head the group looking to bring a track to the area.

The license in Jefferson County, if granted, would allow for quarter horse racing, a card room, and limited thoroughbred racing. A decision is expected soon on the status of the license application.

December 25, 2007
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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